We know that 2017 has been a hard year politically and personally for a lot ofpeople but we hope that we managed to shine some light in the darkness for you -you have certainly done the same for us.

What a year we have had - 4 wonderful Marillion Weekends in Holland, Poland, UKand Chile and then some amazing concerts in Spain, Germany, Switzerland,Bulgaria, Italy, France (Le Zenith!!!), the UK and Japan.

And of course, who could forget our extraordinary night at The Royal Albert Hallwhich we are still coming down from, 2 months later!

In 2018 we have lots of exciting things happening - releases of the Brave DeluxeEditions via Warner Music, the release of our Royal Albert Hall concert (lookingwonderful) and also the release of our Marillion Weekend from Chile in theSummer.

We will be adding a few more tour dates but not TOO many as we hope to be in thestudio turning our attentions to the next Marillion album (don't get too excitedas that certainly won't be released for a while yet!).

Thank you all once again for being the best fans in the world. We mean that.

Wishing you a peaceful, healthy and happy Christmas

H, Ian, Mark, Pete and Steve

NOTE FROM RACKET RECORDS

Racket Records will be closed from 22nd December to 8th January. Any ordersplaced or any emails received will be dealt with on our return"

This time last week the band were just about to go on stage at The Royal Albert Hall.Here is a trailer for the film that will be released next Spring (ordering details will follow in a few weeks).

As you know we also had a pre-order for some special edition concert shirts and polo shirts for this event. Many of you missed out on the initial run, so you asked, and we listened and you now have until October 31st to get your order in for the final print run of these.

At your request we will also have a limited run of the souvenir programme from the show which sold out on the night, the link to purchase them will be available in the next few days.

Please also find a link to an amazing array of photographs from the talented Anne-Marie Forker.www.forkerfotos.com/…/ma…/marillion-at-the-royal-albert-hallThese pictures are also available to purchase.

With the Royal Albert Hall concert coming ever closer and preparations well-underway, we have been talking with the film crew and they have suggested we try and replicate the magical moment when the crowd surprised us with finger-lights during the end of the song, “Go!”

This was something that happened *spontaneously* at the Marillion Weekend in Leicester and worked so well that the band would really like to capture it properly on film.So, on the night at Royal Albert Hall, Ushers will give out little LED lights to ticket-holders as you enter seating-areas in the auditorium. They will also be placed on seats for customers in boxes.

You will be asked not to switch on the finger-lights until the part of the song “Wide awake at the edge of the world”.

We will be playing two sets and we'll be onstage at 7.30pmWe will play this song at the end of set 2 so you have plenty of time to work it out.

If you weren't at Leicester or don't know what happened, here is a small video of the moment the fans surprised us. Obviously up on stage we will be waiting for it this time, but we’re sure it will be no less beautiful. We hope you will enjoy being a part of it.

* with more than a little help from Tony Furminger. Thank you.H, Ian, Mark, Pete and Steve.

There are a few member tickets that have been returned for re-sale for the Royal Albert Hall Concert so please contact the Box Office on 44 (0)20 7589 8212 if you missed out during the initial sale.

OK - there are literally about 40 tickets available NOW via the Royal Albert Hall. You need to book line and the code to use is:29821. This code is valid for 24 hours or until tickets are all sold.The Box office phone number is +44 (0)20 7589 8212.Tickets will also be available via the online Box Office: https://www.royalalberthall.com/tick…/events/2017/marillion/Good luck and I hope you get a ticket! Sorry for the short notice and I do appreciate not everyone will be online now,